Freelance Writer and Running Coach
Liz served as the Principal Investigator (PI) on research examining the health benefits of physical activity on young adult cancer survivors, which was published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. Liz is familiar with reading scientific journals and translating study results and scientific language into terms that can be shared and understood by broader populations.
Study Abstract:
Despite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), limited research has examined PA interventions in young adult cancer survivors (YACS). This study used a two-group parallel design to examine the effects of a 7-day outdoor adventure camp vs. waitlist control on PA levels among YACS. Secondary aims examined effects on sedentary behavior and PA correlates.50 camp and 66 control participants were assessed at baseline, end of camp, and 3 months.Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that, relative to baseline, camp participants had significantly (p = 0.0001) greater increases in PA than controls during camp (+577 vs. +9 minutes/week) and 3 months post-camp (+133 vs. -75 minutes/week, p = 0.001). Camp participants also reported significantly greater improvements in TV viewing (p = 0.001), hours sitting (p = 0.001), PA variety (p = 0.0001), barriers to PA (p = 0.007), and enjoyment of structured activities (p = 0.04) during camp but not 3 months post-camp.A week-long outdoor adventure therapy camp increased PA levels during camp and 3 months after camp termination, although effects were attenuated over time.Outdoor adventure therapy camps may increase PA and its correlates in YACS, but future research should explore methods to promote sustained PA after camp termination.